The Chicago Bears have been in a state of flux for much of the last two decades. A franchise that once ruled the NFC in the 1980s has found itself struggling to find sustained success in the modern NFL. While the Bears’ defense has remained a strength, their offense has often failed to deliver, and their coaching staff has seen a revolving door of leadership changes. Now, as the Bears enter another critical period of rebuilding, one coaching candidate is being called the “perfect fit” to finally help restore the team to prominence.
In an exciting recent report, NFL insider Albert Breer singled out one individual as the ideal candidate for the Bears’ next head coach: **Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions**. Johnson, who has garnered attention for his innovative offensive schemes and success in developing young quarterbacks, could be exactly what the Bears need to elevate their offense and return to relevance in the NFC North.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why Johnson is viewed as a “perfect fit” for the Bears, what he brings to the table as a coach, and how his hiring could reshape the future of a team that has been searching for answers.
### The State of the Chicago Bears
Before diving into why Ben Johnson is seen as the ideal candidate, it’s important to take a look at the current state of the Chicago Bears. While the franchise has a rich history and passionate fan base, the Bears have struggled mightily in recent years. Their inability to build a successful offense has been a glaring issue.
In 2022, the Bears made headlines by selecting quarterback Justin Fields in the first round of the NFL Draft. Fields, who was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback at Ohio State, was expected to be the centerpiece of a new era in Chicago. However, his first two years in the league have been marked by inconsistency, a lack of proper coaching, and an underwhelming supporting cast. The Bears have frequently ranked near the bottom of the league in scoring, and Fields has not been able to take the next step in his development.
On the other side of the ball, the Bears’ defense has been solid but not elite. With head coach Matt Eberflus focusing heavily on defensive schemes, Chicago has struggled to build a well-rounded team. As a result, the team has seen limited success, leading to speculation that a change at head coach could be on the horizon.
With the team facing a crossroads, the Bears’ front office needs to find a head coach who can unlock the full potential of their young quarterback and turn their offense into a dynamic unit. Enter Ben Johnson.
### Why Ben Johnson is the “Perfect Fit” for the Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson’s name has emerged as one of the top candidates for several head coaching vacancies in the NFL, and for good reason. After taking over as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2021, Johnson has quickly built a reputation as one of the brightest young minds in football. Known for his creative and innovative offensive schemes, Johnson has been able to design game plans that maximize the talents of his players—especially his quarterback, Jared Goff.
In the 2022 season, Johnson’s offense ranked in the top 10 in the league in points scored, total yards, and passing yards. His success in Detroit has been a driving force behind the Lions’ remarkable turnaround from a bottom-tier franchise to a legitimate playoff contender. Johnson’s ability to blend a strong passing game with a dominant rushing attack has been a hallmark of his offense, making the Lions one of the most balanced teams in the NFL.
For a Bears team that has been woeful in terms of offensive production, Johnson could be just the person to spark the necessary change. Let’s break down why he’s considered the “perfect fit” for Chicago:
#### 1. **Developing Young Quarterbacks**
One of Johnson’s standout traits has been his ability to work with young quarterbacks and help them reach their potential. In Detroit, he played a crucial role in the resurgence of Jared Goff, who had been traded to the Lions after a rough stint with the Los Angeles Rams. Under Johnson’s guidance, Goff became a more efficient and confident passer, leading the Lions to a top-10 offense.
The situation in Chicago mirrors Detroit’s in many ways. Justin Fields, much like Goff, has struggled with consistency but possesses immense potential. Fields is a gifted athlete with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs, but his development has been hampered by inconsistent coaching and a lack of quality offensive support. Johnson’s ability to build a system around his quarterback’s strengths, rather than forcing a square peg into a round hole, could be the key to unlocking Fields’ full potential.
Johnson has shown that he knows how to design an offense that plays to the strengths of the quarterback. Whether it’s creating a balanced attack that involves both the run and pass, utilizing play-action to keep defenses guessing, or leveraging the quarterback’s mobility, Johnson’s system could be just what Fields needs to take the next step in his development.
#### 2. **Creativity and Innovation**
Another reason why Johnson is considered such a perfect fit for the Bears is his creativity in designing plays that keep defenses off balance. The Bears have struggled in recent years to execute an effective and unpredictable offense, which has been a huge hindrance to their success. Johnson, on the other hand, has built an offense in Detroit that is dynamic, fast-paced, and difficult to predict.
One of Johnson’s standout achievements has been his ability to adapt his system to the strengths of his players. Whether it’s incorporating multiple tight ends, using motion to create mismatches, or designing unique run-pass options, Johnson has demonstrated a keen understanding of how to maximize the strengths of his roster. In Chicago, he would be able to implement similar concepts, tailoring his offense to suit Fields’ strengths and create an offense that could be a legitimate threat to opposing defenses.
The Bears’ offense has often been stale and predictable, but with Johnson at the helm, they could become an offense that keeps defenses on their toes. His ability to design creative plays that take advantage of mismatches would be a significant improvement for a team that has struggled to find consistency in recent years.
#### 3. **A Track Record of Success**
Before becoming the offensive coordinator for the Lions, Ben Johnson had spent time working as a quarterbacks coach and a passing game coordinator. This diverse coaching background has given him a well-rounded understanding of the game and how to design an offense that is both balanced and explosive. His experience in different coaching roles has prepared him to take the next step and lead an NFL team.
In his short time as offensive coordinator, Johnson has already helped the Lions improve their offensive output significantly. His success in Detroit has not only garnered attention within the NFC North but also across the league. Johnson’s ability to take a previously underperforming offense and turn it into one of the league’s most potent units is a testament to his coaching acumen.
#### 4. **Fitting the Bears’ Culture**
Lastly, Ben Johnson is viewed as a coach who could mesh well with the Bears’ culture. The team has a proud history rooted in hard work, discipline, and defense, and Johnson’s approach to building a team is in line with that. While he is known for his offensive creativity, Johnson is also highly regarded for his attention to detail, work ethic, and ability to instill a winning mentality.
Chicago’s front office values coaches who can build a strong locker room and a culture of accountability, and Johnson has shown that he can do that in his time with the Lions. His leadership style, coupled with his offensive expertise, could be the perfect combination to turn the Bears into a more complete team, one that can compete with the NFC’s elite.
### The Road Ahead for the Bears
If the Bears do indeed hire Ben Johnson as their next head coach, it would signal a new era for the team. With a young quarterback like Justin Fields and a roster that is starting to take shape, Johnson could be the catalyst that the Bears need to finally turn things around. His ability to develop young quarterbacks, his creative offensive schemes, and his track record of success in Detroit all make him an enticing candidate for the job.
While there is still much work to be done in Chicago, the hiring of Ben Johnson could be the first step toward a brighter future for the Bears. By bringing in a coach who understands the nuances of building a dynamic offense and can develop Fields into a star, the Bears could once again become a force to be reckoned with in the NFC North and beyond.
In the end, the right coach can make all the difference, and Ben Johnson might just be the one to bring the Chicago Bears back to relevance.
